CREDITON COURIERMID Devon Explorer Scouts entered three teams of young people in this year's Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor, two attempting the 35-mile route challenge and one attempting the 45-mile route challenge.

Team members were from Scout Groups from across the District and included nine Scouts from the Crediton area.

The teams were managed by Wayne Reed of Crediton and Allen Alexander, who is Group Scout Leader of Sandford Scouts and they were assisted by Andy Ellis and Nils Westman on their training team.

Jakki Newton and her family ran the base camp.

Wayne explained that the Scout members started their training in October and, in total, each had completed nine day hikes and three overnight wild camps in preparation.

He explained: "The actual event involves starting at 7am on the Saturday morning at Okehampton Army Camp, with teams completing their route by 5pm on Sunday.

"Teams need to carry everything they need with them including water, food and tents, so their packs can weigh upwards of 20 kilos and they can receive no outside help during the event or they will be disqualified.

"Team members have to demonstrate outstanding navigation, stamina and teamwork to complete the challenge.

"We are very proud of all our team members and are pleased to say that they all managed to complete the event, including one of our reserves who joined another group so he could take part.

"Apart from some severe blisters the smiles on everyone's faces made all the hard work worthwhile.

"In total we managed to train 19 young people to complete a really tough challenge, something that they will be proud of for the rest of their lives.

"The commitment from all those concerned is truly amazing and we always remind them that pain is temporary, but pride is forever!"